--------One thing is certain, the Note II will have the exact same design across carriers, just as the GS3. Samsung is not going to customize the hardware for the U.S. It is a global device, and that's that.--------

This is simply incorrect, as far as the GS3 is concerned. The international versions of the GS3 have a quad-core Exynos SoC, while the North American versions (at least, the VZN, Sprint and ATT versions) have QUALCOMM Snapdragon S4 (MSM8960) SoCs.

Externally, the phones are identical, but they have different inner beauty...

The original Note already did really well, and built up a fan-base and a reputation. The GS3 also sold record numbers. This is like a love-child between the two, so it ought to be pretty popular.

My GF is really excited to ditch her HTC One S (really pathetic little phone with a shoddy antennae and buggy personality....a shame considering how good the One X is supposed to be) for this as soon as it comes out. She'll definitely put that S-Pen to good use.

Assuming T-Mobile gets it the same time everyone else does, of course :d